HRES 823119th CongressIn Committee

Supporting the designation of the week beginning on October 19, 2025, as "Coal Week".

Introduced: Oct 21, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Kennedy, Mike [R-UT-3] (R-Utah)

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H. Res. 823 is a non-binding House resolution introduced to support designating the week starting October 19, 2025, as “Coal Week.” The resolution honors coal industry workers and emphasizes coal’s historical and ongoing role in energy production, national security, and economic stability. It notes coal as a reliable baseload power source (accounting for 19.5% of U.S. utility-scale electricity in 2022) and highlights coal’s prominence globally (more than 36% of worldwide electricity). The text also acknowledges ongoing reductions in coal emissions due to advanced technologies and frames these improvements as balancing environmental responsibility with economic growth and national security. As a resolution, it expresses support and recognizes progress but does not create new laws, regulations, or funding. The sponsors listed are Rep. John Kennedy (R-UT) and co-sponsors Rep. Griffith, Rep. Meuser, Rep. Moore (WV), and Rep. Miller (WV); the measure was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Key Points

1Designation request: The resolution supports designating the week of October 19, 2025, as “Coal Week.”
2Recognition of workers and role: It commends coal industry workers who build, maintain, and deliver energy, highlighting their vital role.
3Energy importance and usage: Cites coal as a reliable baseload power source and provides specific statistics—coal supplied 19.5% of U.S. utility-scale electricity in 2022; coal accounts for over 36% of global electricity.
4Historical and national security context: Reminds that coal propelled the Industrial Revolution and contributed to modernization of the Navy, underscoring its ongoing importance for military readiness and national security.
5Emissions reductions and balance with growth: Acknowledges progress in reducing coal emissions through advanced technologies and frames continued emission reductions as compatible with environmental responsibility and economic growth.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Coal industry workers and coal-producing regions, energy producers, and electricity consumers who rely on coal-based power.Secondary group/area affected- Policymakers, federal agencies, and the public, particularly those involved in energy policy, environmental regulation, and national security planning.Additional impacts- Public messaging and political signaling: reinforces the narrative that coal remains a valuable, reliable, and developing-energy option with a role in national security and economic stability.- Legislative effect: as a non-binding resolution, it does not impose duties, create regulatory requirements, or authorize funding. It serves to express congressional support and shape dialogue around energy policy.

Generated by gpt-5-nano on Oct 23, 2025